EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING
Free Camping in Illinois
Illinois's Shawnee National Forest in the southern tip of the state allows dispersed camping. The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and the Burden Falls Wilderness have some backcountry camping. The Shawnee Hills scenery resembles the Ozarks — sandstone bluffs, spring wildflowers, and hardwood forests rather than the flat prairie of central Illinois.
No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →
Before You Go
Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water
Free Camping Sites in Illinois
Only accessible by foot from the Equestrian Parking area of the Johnson Creek Recreation Area. Take Trail375 to 399 to 382.
The southeast side of the Lake of Egypt is surrounded by Shawnee National Forest and open to primitive camping in the general forest area. Hickory Ridge Boat La…
This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the ca…